Peter Michael takes first in speed skating race

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As expected Kapiti's world champion Peter Michael proved a class above when he took out the first of the speed skating Southern Marathon Series at the Timaru International Motor Raceway.

Held in damp, foggy conditions Michael won solo in 1 hour 13 minutes and 43.05 seconds, lapped second placed Ollie Jones of Christchurch and put two on master skaters Andrew Nicholson and Brett McCormack.

Nicholson, a former winter Olympian, was very impressive in his first comeback race for many years.

South Canterbury's best finisher was youngster Nick Frame, ahead of Jonathan Swindells.

Attempting to mix it with the men early on, Timaru's Annaliese Le Roy won the women's 42km race in 1 hour 29 minutes, 52.93 seconds.

Le Roy did not have it all her own way as only two metres separated her from Oceania cadet star Tyla Smith, from Temuka, and Ariana Snook in an impressive performance.

Jan Kuepper took out the cadet boys' half marathon with Jazmyn McAuley the girls, in slow run races.

Kuepper won in 49m 26.76s from Kaylum McAuley and Scott Hall while McAuley stopped the clock in 49m 46.52s, defeating Charlotte Clarke by a metre, with Anuska Narkar from India third.

The primary girls 10km was taken out by the determined Isobel Hill, from Pippa Nevin and Erin Wood while AJ Caldwell won the boys' race.